Beware of Toxic Connections A Lesson in Professional Integrity
I want to take a moment to share a recent experience that highlights why we need to be mindful of the people we connect with, even on professional platforms like LinkedIn. As someone deeply invested in empowering the disabled community and creating inclusive opportunities in the music industry, I reached out to a fellow professional. I offered a collaborative opportunity, complimenting his work even though, to be honest, the music wasn’t my personal favorite. My goal was to foster positive change and help others, especially disabled individuals, gain access to an industry that can often feel impenetrable. What I received in return was not a professional response, but an insult. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, this individual chose to belittle me, claiming that I wasn’t “on his level” and dismissing my outreach as beneath him. He made it abundantly clear that his interest lies only in opportunities that serve his own ego and profit. This isn’t just disappointing it’s toxic. Professionals like this are not here to collaborate, uplift, or create meaningful change. They’re here to leech off others’ hard work, take advantage of their networks, and serve their own interests without contributing anything of real value to the community. If you’re connected to someone like this, I urge you to reconsider. Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress, especially in industries that thrive on creativity and inclusion. True leaders work to lift others up, not tear them down. Let’s focus on connecting with those who align with our values, who care about making a real difference, and who treat every opportunity as a chance to create something meaningful. Toxic individuals like this one only hold us back. Choose your connections wisely. Let’s build networks that truly support one another.https://www.equaltechinnovations.comhttps://uniteddisabilities.com